The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released the preliminary report on the plane crash last month in Lee County that killed two Batesville residents.
According to the NTSB, weather data at the time of the incident reported “strong vertical wind shears” with “a high possibility of moderate or greater turbulence” as the plane flew from Pensacola to Batesville in the late afternoon of May 12.
Steve Bryant, 72, and Sharon Bryant, 73, died in the crash of the Piper PA46-500TP near Marianna, Ark. Steve Bryant owned Bryant’s Pharmacy & Health Care on Harrison Street in Batesville.
The NTSB report stated the plane was flying at 28,000 feet when it “entered a rapid descent and spiraling right turn” at a rate of 17,000 feet per minute. At 24,000 feet, the pilot reported to air traffic control “continuous moderate chop” while descending. At 7,800 feet, there was a simultaneous loss of communication and radar contact.
The wreckage was found at 11 p.m. that night in a “sparsely populated agricultural area.” The report said the left wing was detached at the “wing root” and was found near the fuselage in two pieces. The inboard portion of the left wing was found about 30 feet from the main wreckage, and the outboard portion was found about 80 feet from the main wreckage. The right wing was located partially under the fuselage.
The report also noted that the “left horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, rudder, elevator, right aileron, right flap, and the outboard portion of the right wing were not located at the accident site. A search for the missing components utilizing a state police drone was conducted. No additional components were found during this effort. Additional search efforts are underway.”
The NTSB also said that the landing gear was retracted.
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